Plans for security staff accommodation and to convert 18 pitches from grass to gravel at a Sidmouth holiday park will be considered by the district council’s development management committee next week.

The proposals for Oakdown Holiday Park, which also seek to extend a children’s play area with two pieces of equipment, have been recommended for refusal.

There are no objections against the hard-standing pitches or the play equipment. However, issues have been raised with the plans for a static caravan for a member of security staff.

Applicant Alistair Franks says the caravan is needed for security purposes and for visitors’ benefits.

Council planning officers have noted that, while the development may provide some benefits to guests in terms of having a recognised initial point of contact for security issues, the main reception was close to hand, as was the shop and golf reception, and therefore extra security was not needed. Officers say the proposal should be rejected because it contravenes the policies of the Local Plan and national planning guidance in relation to unessential residential developments in the countryside. They said it was not worth the resulting visual harm in such an open and largely undeveloped site within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Ward member Councillor Geoff Pook supports the application, particularly the part proposing permanent accommodation for a full-time security person.